Patient transfer device



'March 10, 1953- ""sl'wi lL LELAND 2,630,5

PATIENT TRANSFER DEVICE 7 Filed Nov. 4, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet l II "3 I20 33 5.9 54- flTTORIv/EYS March 10, 1953 G. w. GILLELAND 2,630,583

PATIENT TRANSFER DEVICE Filed Nov. 4, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ll a INVENTOR. rorer M GW/e/md ATTORNEYS March 10, 1953 G. w. GILLELAND 2,630,533

PATIENT TRANSFER DEVICE Filed Nov. 4, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 82 mmvroa.

Grower/4! 617440170 M MM March 10, 1953 G. w. GILLELAND 2,630,583

PATIENT TRANSFER DEVICE Filed Nov. 4, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 m mmwma q F9 25 {I m 29 138 r v fi x 4 t E INVENTOR.

59,26 ,4, 33 2? W 6/0) hlfiM/g/md Ma WB 197' TORNEKS Patented Mar. 10, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PATIENT TRANSFER DEVICE Grover W. Gilleland, Tacoma, Wash.

Application November 4, 1949, Serial No. 125,449

7 Claims. 1

My invention relates to a wheeled stretcher for transferring patients from or to a bed, operating table or other support, and to or from said stretcher. More particularly, the wheeled stretcher of my invention is characterized by transferring a patient to or from said wheeled stretcher with a minimum possible harm or discomfort to the patient and with a minimum of effort on the part of the person or persons handling the stretcher apparatus. This invention is in the nature of an improvement on the invention disclosed in m co-pending application, Serial No. 729,161, now Patent Number 2,528,048.

In transferring a patient from a bed or operating table to a stretcher, or from a stretcher to a bed or operating table, it was heretofore common procedure to ither roll the patient from one support onto the other or to manually move the patient by two or more persons. Either of such methods of transfer was objectionable, not only because of the tedious work involved, but because of possible harm to the patient resulting from such type of handling. In this, more than needless discomfort and minor suffering were involved, as often serious injuries to the patient 1. provide a wheeled stretcher having improved transfer means which are efiicient, certain in operation, simple in construction, and durable.

Another object of my invention is to provide a transfer leaf or apron, hinged to a deck portion of a patient support, as a wheeled stretcher, to facilitate transfer of the patient between the same and a fixed support, as a bed.

It is another object of my invention to provide a power driven crawler or mobile patient supporting means, so that the patient may be moved by said crawler in transferring the patient between one fixed support, as a stretcher, and a second fixed support, as a bed.

Another object of my invention is to provide, in combination with a power driven crawler or mobile patient supporting device, a power driven belt or canvas so that, by appropriate manipulation of the crawler and of the apron, a patient can be moved to or from the stretcher.

Another object of my invention is to provide means to secure a wheeled stretcher to and. alongside of a fixed support, as a bed, to insure efficient and foolproof transfer of the patient to or from the stretcher.

Another object of my invention is to provide an apron or transfer leaf which tends to conform and follow the upper surface of a bed and which functions as an efiicient support over..which a power driven crawler may travel in transferring a patient to or from such bed.

Still other general objects of my invention include: patient handling mechanisms for transferring a patient to or from a stretcher and which mechanisms can be readily manipulated by one operator and which manipulation requires a minimum of physical exertion on the part of the operator; the provision of belt type patient transfer means which may be power driven and employed to transfer a patient, and which may be secured to appropriate supports to maintain a patient in predetermined positions; readily releasable belt engaging means to insure prompt and efiicient handling, of the patient with certainty of safety; and other more specific objects which will be apparent or inherent in my invention as herein described and illustrated.

The above mentioned general objects of my invention, together with others inherent in the same, are attained by the devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like referencenumerals indicate like parts.

Figure l is a plan View of a wheeled stretcher constructed in accordance withmy invention,

showin the same positioned alongsideof a bed with the apron of the stretcher resting on the bed, and with parts of a stretcher power-operated transfer belt and head guard being broken away;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view, with parts in elevation, taken substantially on broken line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken substantially on broken line 3-3 of Fig. 1, showing a head guard used on the stretcher apron or leaf;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view, with parts in elevation, taken substantially on broken line 4-4 of Fig. 1, on a larger scale than Fig. 1, and showing a pivotally connected stretcher apron or leaf in a horizontal position and a transversely movable crawler in an operative position diflerent than in Fig. 1 and wherein said crawler is extended on the stretcher leaf;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on broken line 55 of Fig. 1 and showing further details of the apron and crawler structure, the parts being shown substantially in the same positions as in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary end view, with the crawler structure retracted and with the stretcher apron secured to and extending vertically alongside of the stretcher;

Fig. 7. 1s a fragmentary sectionalview-through one of=the track'means on the endportions of the stretcher table and crawler, taken substantially on broken line i'! of Fig. 6, on a larger scale.-

than Fig. 6, and showing parts inelevation;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary isometric view showing parts of the stretcher table. apron, and. crawler;

Fig. 9 is a detached isometric'viewpfa'roller carrying mounting block which cooperates in.

supporting a movable crawler member on the stretcher table. and apron;

Fig. 1.0. isia view partly in section andpartly inplan, takensubstantially on broken line I -40 of Fig. 6;.andlshowingimeans usedto secure the stretcher to a bed;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary detached elevational View of a. partv of the mechanism shown in'Fig. 6, which is. used to hold the apron me downwardly extending vertical position adjacent to the stretcher frame;

Fig. 1'2 is a detached fragmentary perspective view of the stretcher apron;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentarycross sectional view, taken substantially on broken line I 3-!3' of'Fig. 14, with parts in elevation, showing partsof the stretcher table, apron and crawler; and showing power transmitting means for'the crawler movingmeans and the winding means for the transfer belt;

Fig. 1 1v is a, fragmentary side View, lookingin the direction of broken line |4-l4 of Fig; 1, and showing. frame means and motor supporting means and portions ofdriving means (with the driving belts omitted) Fig. 15. is a detached diagrammatic; view illustrating'parts of brake devices used on the crawler moving means and the transfer belt winding means;

Fig. 16 is. a detached view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of one type'of' brake means whichmay be used on the crawler moving means and transfer belt winding means;

Fig.1? is a fragmentary'viewinhorizontal sectionshowing means which may beused to attach one end portion of a horizontal canvasor' belt holdingbarito a bedpost; said bed post also being.

shownin Fig. 2;

Fig. 18' isa cross sectional view on a; larger scale than Fig. 17', taken substantially'on broken lines Iii-l8 of Fig. 17 and Iii-l8 of Fig; Land showingreadily releasable canvas or belt holding means;

Fig. 19 is a detached fragmentary perspective view of a canvas or belt used in connection with this'stretcherto facilitate handling of patients;

Fig. 20 is'a detached fragmentary perspective view of a power-operated transfer belt or canvas which is wound on a' driven roll carried by the stretcher; and

Figs; 21 to 26, inclusive,- are' diagrammatic views; partly insection. illustrating operations of this stretcher-in handling a'patient.

In Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings a stretcher numbered generally 21 of my invention is shown alongside of a. hospital bed, which is numbered generally .28. The stretcher 21 is provided with 4 main frame structure 29, supported by a plurality of wheels 30, at least two of which may be of the caster type for usual purposes.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 4, an apron 3! is pivoted to the main frame structure 219 of the stretcher 2'! by a piano type hinge means 32 extending longitudinally of the stretcher 21. The apron 3!, by means hereinafter explained, serves as a.=trackwa ,7.- for a crawler. or mobile patient supporting device numbered" general1y '33. The crawler 33 may extend over and be supported by apron 3 I as indicated in Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings, or said crawler 33 may be retracted and be supportedby the stretcher 21 as indicated in Figs. 1,2 andfiofthe drawings.

The apron 3| may assume a substantially horizontalposition as: indicated in Figs. 1, 2 and 4 of the drawings so the said apron may rest upon and be supported by the upper surface of a bed 28; the apron may extend downwardly in a vertical direction as is indicated in' Fig; 6 of the drawings; or the apron may extend upwardly'in a vertical position as is indicated by the fragment thereof shown by dot-and dash lines in Fig. 4 of the drawings. Operating lever means to cause the apron to assume such positions andLintermediate positions comprises a hand lever 34 rigidly secured to a shaft 35 which extendsilongitudinall'yof stretcher. 21 Shaft35 is. rotatively supported by the mainframetstructurezt of'the stretcher 27'. In" order to makev the: shaft 35 angularly movable bylever' meansat either end of the stretcher, hand' levers 34 are: disposed at opposite ends of the shaft. 35 (see Fig; 1"). Longitudinally spaced apart links" 36 (one of which is shown in Figs. 4' and 6) rigidly'conn'ect with shaft 35. Each link 3:3 is pivotally connected with a link 31, and each links? is .pivoted to the apron 3|.

When a hand'lever 3 i is in the positionindicated by full lines in Fig; 4', the apron 3| is substantially in a horizontal position so that the apron 3i maybe caused to rest upon the'upper surfaceof a bed 28, as indicated inFigs. 1 and 2 of the drawings. When the apron 3| extends downwardly, the levers 34 assume the position illustrated for the lever 34 in Fig. 6. If the hand lever 34 is-moved from the position indicated in Fig. 6 to the full line position of said lever as indicated in Fig. l, then the apron 3| will be in substantially a horizontal position. The apron 3! will not beat rest in this position. and will tend toswing downwardly. However, if the apron 3! extends over'an obj ect'such asa bed'28, then the apron3i will rest'upon said bed.'28 and said apron will be. in a horizontal position'and supported by the bed, as indicated in.Figs';.1 and 2 of the drawings; This same position is shown in full linesin Fig. 4 but the bed is" omitted in the'interest; of clarity of the drawings; If it is desired to extend the apron upwardly in substantially a vertical plane, the hand lever 34 may be moved from the full'line position indicated in Fig. 4. to the dot-and-dash line position shown in said figure, and the links 35 ands! and the apron 3| will assume the dot-and-dash line position shown in Fig. 4:. Previous to moving the parts 34, 36, 31 and 3| from their full line positions to their dot-and-dash line positions in Fig. 4, the crawler 33 must be retracted from the position hown in Fig. 4 to the position shown in. Figs. 1, 2 and 6. The said dot-and-dash line position of the apron 3i and parts associated therewith, permits the stretcher 21 to. be moved alongside of'or away from a bed 28, as may be desired. If the apron 3| is in said position and the stretcher 21 is moved alongside of a bed, then by operation of the hand lever 34 the said apron and parts associated therewith may be lowered so that the apron 3| may be caused to rest upon the upper surface of a bed 28. If the apron 3| is resting on a bed 28 and thus the apron 3| is in full line position shown in Fig. 4, then by use of one or both of the hand levers 34, the apron 3| and parts associated therewith may be caused to move to the dot-and-dash line position shown in Fig. 4. When said apron 3| is in said dotand-dash line position, it will tend to remain in said position due to the fact that the links and levers employed pass through their centers of movement so that the weight of the apron 3| and parts associated therewith tend to move the parts as viewed in Fig. 4 of the drawings in a clockwise direction and urge the hand levers 34 against a stop provided by parts of the main frame structure 29 of-the stretcher 2'|.

A pad 38 (see Figs. 1 and 3) is detachably connected with an outer end portion of the apron 3|, as by a snap fastener 39, which snap fastener 39 enters into a suitable opening 48 in the apron 3|. Preferably an opening 40 is provided in each end portion of the apron 3|. The pad 38 func tion as a head guard for the patient, to protect the head of a patient before the apron is secured to the bed and while the end portions of the apron are bowed upwardly as indicated in Fig. 12. After the apron 3| has been lashed down or secured as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the guard or pad 38 may be removed so it will not interfere with operation of the crawler 33. The head pad 38 can be changed from one end to the other of the stretcher (depending upon the opening 49 used) and the selected position will depend upon the direction toward which the head of the patient extends.

A plurality of spaced apart depression 4| are disposed in the outer edge portion of the apron 3| (see Figs. 1, 4 and 12). Rollers 42, supporting the outer or bed side of the crawler 33, roll over the apron 3| and when said rollers 42 enter the depressions 4|, the outer end portion of the top of the crawler 33 is substantially flush with the outer end portion of the top of the apron 3|. The outer or bed side of the apron 3| is concavoconvex as illustrated in Fig. 12 of the drawings,

and thus the lower side of the central outer portion of apron 3| first contacts the upper surface of the bed 28. Strap means 43 (Figs. 1, 2 and 5) connect between the bed 28 and end portions of the apron 3|, thus causing the apron 3|, when tied down to the bed 28, to somewhat flatten although it is still concave. This maintains the central portion of the apron 3| somewhat depressed and thus the hips of a patient (which pass over such portion) more readily are moved over the apron 3| and crawler 33 thereon. The crawler 33 comprises a plurality of hinged together sections 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d and these sections are longitudinally concaved to interfit with the concaved apron 3|. The degree of ourvature gradually increases in the said sections in the order above given. Likewise, the curvature in apron 3| increases toward the free end portion thereof. Without such concave characteristics to the outer or bed side of the apron 3|, the said apron 3| would tend to assume a convex form when its ends portions are tied down to the bed and the central portion would be too high and thus interfere with easy transfer of a patient off and on crawler 33.

moved by power into and out of the extended position shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 13, of the drawings.

The means to power actuate said crawler 33 (see Figs. 1, 2, 4, 13 and 14) and also to power actuate a canvas sheet 44 (see also Figs. 1, 13

and comprises a prime mover, such as an electric motor 45, which is carried by the main frame structure 29 of the stretcher 21. The electric motor 45 is preferably of the reversible" type and may be caused to angularly turn in either direction by suitable control means (not shown).

Power from electric motor is transmitted by any suitable means, as endless belt 46, to a driven sheave 41. The relative sizes of sheave 41 and that carried by the shaft of motor 45 will'pro vide for suitable speed reduction or speed change. Sheave 41 is mounted on shaft 48, and shaft 48 carries sheaves 49 and 50 (see particularly Figs.

2, 13 and 14). A belt 5| is threaded over sheaves 49 and 52, and belt 53 is threaded over sheaves 58 and 54. Shaft 48 is carried by arm means 55, and arm means 55 cooperates with lever 56 (Fig. 2) to form a bell crank pivoted about a shaft 51. When the lever 55 (see Fig. 2) is raised, belt 53 will be tightened on sheaves 50 and 54 and belt 53 will be driven. When lever 56 is lowered, belt 5| will be tightened on sheaves 49 and 52 and belt 5| will be driven. When the arm means 55 is in the center position indicated in Figs. 2 and 13, the parts are in neutral and motor 45 may be driving belt 46, sheave 41 and shaft 48 but belts 5| and 53, and sheaves 52 and 54 will not be driven.

A shaft 58 extends lengthwise of the stretcher 21 (see Fig. 1) and carries the sheave 52 shown in Figs. 2 and 13. Preferably, there is a sheave 52 at either end of shaft 58 as shown in Fig. 1, and each sheave 52 is driven by a belt 5| which is threaded over a sheave 52 on shaft 58 and on a shave 49 on shaft 48. By providing for a drive at either end of the stretcher, duplicate drive is employed for safetys sake. Also the shaft 59, which mounts the sheave 54 shown in Fig. 2, also mounts two sheaves 54 as indicated in Fig. 1 and there is a belt 53 between each sheave 54 on the shaft 59 andsheaves 50 on the shaft 48. The shafts 58 and 59 are mounted for rotary movement. Duplicate drives to the shaft 59 are provided for the same purpose as duplicate drives to the shaft 58.

As the electric motor 45 is a. reversible motor, and as I provide, in effect, a clutch mechanism or selective drive by lever 56, shaft 58 may be driven in either direction as desired while shaft 59 is idle. Also shaft 59 may be driven in the desired direction when shaft 58 is idle. As: will hereinafter appear, I desire to drive shaft 59 in a selected direction when shaft 58 is idle, and I desire to drive shaft 58 in either direction when shaft 59 is idle. a

Shaft 59 mounts patient transfer sheet or belt 44 and thus when shaft 59 is driven in the desired direction sheet 44 may be power driven and wound onto shaft 59 or on a drum carried by such shaft.

Shaft 58 carries longitudinally spaced apart drums 60 (see Figs. 1, 4 and 13) and tension cables, as steel tapes 6| are wound on said drums th'estop. of; the; stretcher 21-.

-58: is: driveminone. direction, the steel tape 65 will exert a-pull, tending. to move. the crawler 33 out-of the-positionshown in Fig. 13 of the drawings and to. the. right. At the same. timesteel tape El -will: befed from drums, 60. When the shaft; 5.8 is. drivenin the: opposite direction, a pullwill .be exerted'on tape 6 I moving the crawler 33-: toward. theleft and intov the positionshown in Fig. 13 .ofthe drawings and. at .the same time taper-65 will befed from drum 64. As best indicated'zin Fig: 1; of .the drawings, there is preferably'duplicatei drives at therespective ends of stretcher 2'|-thus.duplicate tapes 6| andliEand drums therefore are provided.

The foregoing description is tobe taken. as an illustration. andanexampl of means to cause the-crawler 33 to be power driven in either directionlwhile the-shaft 59mounting the sheet M. is idle andalso-means topower drive the shaft 59 to wind sheet 44 thereon while thecrawler 33 remainsidle;

In order to insure that the crawler 33 does not move :whenso desired, and-likewise to insure that shaft 53; does: not move whensodesired, I pro vide brake means for shafts 58 and E3. The brake means for said shafts .58 and 59 may be any conventional'brakes having conveniently positioned brake operating-levers. As-an illustration thereoil. have shown twospacedapart brakes 3'! on shaft 58 and two spaced apart brakes 68 on shaft 58: (see Figs. 1, l and'16). Said brakes may employ drumsand externalbrake bands or drums with internalbrake bands; such as are common in the automobile art, and as an illustration thereof? 1" have shown, in Figs. and 16, brakes employing an externalbrake band. In view of the development of thebrake art, the brake mechanism is generally illustrated and not completely described in detail. InFig. 16, a view is shown of brakes 61- onshaft 53. Suitable link and lever mechanism is employedso that the brakes El and ESzmay be operated from a convenient position; Such: link and lever-mechanism may comprise: fonbra'kefil, links Biiland levers l6. Levers 1B are-:rigid witha shafts! i so that'angular movement of'shaft l i will set .or releaseboth brakes 5?.

Means to angularly move shaft l may comprise levers-T2 and links '53. Links ii-Bare connected to a hand'lever'hrake operating means l l. Similar operating mechanism may be provided for brakerfifl, which may comprise links '35 and levers 36 corresponding to links Edand levers lll; shaft Tl corresponding to shaft H; levers i8 and links lacorresponding to' levers Hand links 13'; and hand .lever brake operating-means 85 corresponding to hand lever brake operating means TM.

The details of the crawler 33 and parts cooperating therewith are best illustratedin Figs. 1, 2, 4', 5; 6, 7; 8 and9 of the drawings. As the leaf orrapron 3| is: hinged to the stretcher 21, the crawler-is required to'pass over an angular trackway portion formed by the stretcher 2'! and apron 3|, whenthe apron 3| is'raised or lowered above the: horizontal plane of a trackway formed on Also the trackway if: on theapron. 3| .isnot a continuouslevel trackway, particularly. due to the depressions 4| in the apron3l, which have been previously described. The crawler 33 comprisesa plurality of articulatedor hinged together sections 33a, 33b, 33c and 33d, which may be hinged by longitudinally extending hinges 8| of the piano type. To supportthe crawler 33 for traveling movement over. the top of the stretcher 21 and over the apron 3|, roller means are provided to vertically support crawler 33 and other roller'means are provided to take end thrust. The ends of the stretcher 21 support andpositionchannels B2 and similar channels 83 are carried by the apron 3| (see. Figs. land 3 for both channels and; Fig. 7 for channel 32 of the. stretcher '21). Each section of the crawler 33' at each end portion. thereof carries brackets 84, which brackets mount rollers and 86. Rollers 85 and 86 rotate about horizontal axes and the brackets 84 also carry rollers 81 which rotate about a vertical axis. The rollers 85 roll upon and are supported by the top 88 (Fig. 8) of the stretcher 21, or by the top 89 of the apron 3|. Also the rollers 86 roll below the same surfaces and prevent the crawler 33 from being removed in an upwarddirection from either the top 88 of the stretcher 27 or from the apron 3|. The said channels 82 and 83 are provided with a vertical wall 93 and the brackets 84 carry the said rollers 81, and said rollers 8'! engage the said ver-l tical walls 93 'to prevent displacement of the crawler 33 in a longitudinal direction and to cause the same to run truly even though the r crawler 33 is not directed accurately in a horizontal direction, such as where the strain is all toward one end thereof. Thus the rollers 85, 86, and 81 support the crawler 33 at the respective ends of the crawler 33 as it travels sideways over the stretcher 2? and over the apron 3|. Also to enclose the rollers 85, 86 and 31, an angle bracket 9| (see Figs. 7 and 8) is carried by the crawler 33 and has a portion extending downwardly into the channels 82 and 83, depending upon the relative position of the crawler 33 on the stretcher 21, the apron 3|, or both thereof.

Intermediate their end portions, the sections of the crawler 33 are each supported by rollers 92 (the bed side or outer of such rollers are given the number 42, as previously explained). The rollers 42 and the rollers 92 may be identical except therollers 42 enter into depressions 4| as previously explained. When the outer or bed side rollers 42 drop downwardly because of the depressions 4| in the apron 3 I, the deck. of the apron 3| is provided with downwardly inclined track portions 93(see Figs. 5 and 12) so that rollers 85 and 86 at the bed side can move downwardly and so that the upper edge of the crawler 33 is substantially flush with the top of the surface onto which the patient is to be moved, as bed 28.

In order to provide a smooth surface over the joint between the top 88 of the stretcher 21 and the top 89 of the apron, the said tops 88 and 89 carry staggered portions 93 and 95 respectively and thus fill in spaces between the various hinged portions of the hinge 32. When the top 89 of the apron is substantially parallel with the top 88 of the stretcher, the staggered portions 88=and 89 will provide for a continuous even surface on which the rollers 35 and 92 are supported.

When the stretcher 21 is moved from place to place, preferably the apron3| is in the position shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. In such position the apron 3| extends downwardly in a substantially vertical plane about hinge 32. As will be recalled, the apron 3| has its outer portion bowed or concaved as best indicated in Fig. 12 of the drawings. In order to hold said apron 3| fiat against the stretcher 21 and to remove such bow, openings 06, which are preferably of a key hole shape, are provided. These openings 96 (Fig. 1) provide means by which the outer end portions of the apron 3| may be engaged by means carried by the stretcher 21. A typical illustration of such means comprises rods 91 (Fig. 6) mounted for reciprocating movement in guides 98, which guides 90 are carried by the main frame structure 29 of the stretcher 21. As a means to engage the rods 91 with the openings 96 in the apron 3|, I have shown buttonlike members 99 pivotally secured to the rods 91 (see Figs. 6 and 11). The button-like members 99 can be pivoted to cause them to enter the larger opening of the key hole slots 96 and then pivotally or angularly moved to engage the smaller portions of said key hole slots 96. At each end of the stretcher and as a means to urge the rods 91 toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 6 of the drawings, the rods 91 carry racks I00. Each rack I meshes with a pinion |0I and pinions IOI are carried by shaft I02 which extends lengthwise of the stretcher 21. In order to angularly move shaft I02 and in turn move rack I00 to the right as viewed in Fig. 6 of the drawings and at the same time to readily provide sufficient pressure so that bow is removed from the apron 3|, a crank I03 is provided rigid on shaft I02. In order to limit angular movement of shaft I02 and pinion IN, a pawl I04 is provided.

When it is desired to permit the racks I00 to move toward the left as viewed in Fig. 6 of the drawings, pawl I04 may be raised out of engagement with the pinion NH and then the racks I00 can be manually moved toward the left as viewed in Fig. 6 of the drawings. The apron 3| will tend to move toward the left and away from the position shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings when the pawl I04 is released because the said apron 3| is bowed as indicated in Fig. 12 of the drawings and the bow is flattened out or removed when the apron is held vertical by the rods 91. When the apron 3| is released from the pressure of the rods 91, the button-like members 99 can be angularly moved relative to the key hole slots 96 and by registration of the head portion of said button member 09 with the larger opening of the key hole slots 96, the apron 3| may be released from the button-like members 99. When the apron 3| is in such relatively free position, it can be angularly moved and in a clockwise direction as viewed from Fig. 6 of the draw ings by manipulating one of the levers 34.

In order to angularly move the apron 3|, hand levers 34 are provided, one of which is readily available at either end of the device. When a hand lever 34 is in the position shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings the apron 3| will be substantially horizontal and can be permitted to rest upon a bed 28. However, the hand lever 34 should be moved from the full line position shown in Fig. 4 to the dot-and-dash line position shown in said figure if the apron 3| and parts associated therewith are to be moved to their upward horizontal position, which latter position is indicated by dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 4 of the drawings. With the apron 3| in such position, the stretcher 21 can be moved alongside of a bed 28 and the apron 3| permitted to move downwardly to sub- 10 stantially a horizontal position and rest on the bed 28. Also when the stretcher 21 is to bemoved away from a bed, first the apron 3| will be moved by the hand lever 34 to its said upper vertical position shown by dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 4.

In order to facilitate abutting the stretcher 21 alongside of the bed 28, the stretcher posts I05 are recessed inwardly from the ends of the stretcher 21 as is best indicated in Fig. 14 of the drawings. Thus overhanging structure comprising frame members I06 is provided at each end of the stretcher 21. The guide member 98 for the rack I00 is carried by frame members I06 and held thereto by any suitable means, such as a clamp I01. Assuming that a patient is resting on a bed 28 and it is desired to move the patient from said bed 28 onto the stretcher 21, the stretcher 21 is first rolled alongside a bed 28 and secured to the bed. The means for securing the stretcher 21 to the bed 28 comprises bumpers I08 (see Figs. 1 and 2) which are carried by the frame member I06 and abut against the bedpost frame structure IIO of the bed 28. Also clamps numbered generally I09 (see Figs. 2, 6 and 10) secure the frame members I06 and thereby the stretcher 21 to the bedpost frame structure IIO of the bed 20. Such clamps I09 may be in many forms and as an illustration thereof I have shown a c clamp I09 which is pivotally mounted on a frame member I06 and disposed between two collars III (Fig. 6). The clamp I09 is provided with a gate member 2 (Fig. 10) which is angularly movable in a vertical plane to permit the C clamp I09 to engage or be released from a frame member I06 carried by stretcher 21. The c bracket portion II3 can be angularly moved to engage about a bedpost III] and thereafter the gate member II2 can be moved to locked position (as shown in Fig. 10) and thus the stretcher 21 may be engaged to a bed 28 adjacent the end portions thereof and more particularly to bedposts I I0 of the bed 28.

On the side of the bed 28 away from the stretcher 21 there is provided means to engage with a belt or sheet II4, shown detached in Fig. :19 and also shown in Figs. 21 to 26, inclusive. Such means may comprise a horizontally extending tube l|5 (see Figs. 1, 2, 17 and 18) detachably connected to two bedposts IIO on the side of the bed opposite the stretcher 21 (i. e. to the left of Fig. 2) and positioned at an elevation above the level of the mattress on bed 28. Each end of the tube II 5 (see Fig. 17) carries a U- shaped bracket N6 of a size to receive in the opening of the U a bedpost IIO. Preferably the inside of the U -shaped bracket H6 is lined with suitably padding material to prevent marring of bedposts IIO. Alever H1 is pivoted intermediate its end portions to a lug II8 carried by bracket II6. One end portion of the lever II1 pivotally mounts a bell crank shaped lever II9. One end portion of the lever II9 carries a roller I20. The other end portion of the lever |I1 carries an adjustable pin I2| which is mounted for sliding movement through an opening in the U-shaped bracket II6. When the lever H9 is in the posit10I1 Sh0WIl in Fig. 17 of the drawings, the handle portion of said lever II 9 has passed center in moving in a clockwise direction and hence the parts will remain in said position until moved. In moving the outer end portion of the lever H9 in a counter-clockwise direction, the roller I20 W111 pass along the U-shaped bracket H6 and "Fig. 21 of'the drawings.

permit lever II! to turn in acounter-clockwise direction and thus pull pin I2I and release the U-shaped bracket II6 from bedpost III). Movements in the reverse directions from those described will cause the U-shaped bracket II6 to become secured to a bedpost III) after the parts have first been properly juxtaposed.

The tube II rotatably supports therein a tubular member I22 as by means of roller bearings I23 (Fig. 17). The tubular members H5 and I22 extend substantially the full length of the bed 28. Periodically a lever I24 (Fig. 18) is secured to the tubular member I22 and a pin I25 is pivotally connected to each lever I24. The pins I25 project out through openings in the tube 'I I5 and thus we have a plurality of outwardly projecting pins I25 as are so shown in the lower portion of Fig. 1 of the drawings. Each of the pins-I25 is engageable with an Opening I26 in belt or sheet I I4. Fig. 19 is a fragmentary view of one side edge portion of the belt I I4 and there are a series of alined holes I26 for engagement with pins I25. Thus the belt I I4 may be secured at a plurality of locations relative to its width to the tubular member I I5 through pins I25. When the pins are in the full line positionshown in Fig. 18 of the drawings, they will be secured to a beltor sheet II4 passing in a counter-clockwise direction upwardly and tothe left as viewed in Fig. 18 of the drawings. Atone end of the tube I I5 is provided locking means I21 (see also lower left corner portion of Fig. 1). This locking means I2! is shown in detail in Fig. 18 of the drawings. The locking means I2! is mounted on a sleeve I28, which sleeve I28 is rotatably mounted on tubular member H5. The locking means I2! is provided with a spring loaded pin mechanism I29. The tubular member H5 is provided with spaced apart openings I38 and I3I (see Fig. 18) and when the pin of a spring loaded pin mechanism I29 registers in the opening I38, the pins I25 will maintain engagement with the openings I26 in the canvas belt II4. When the .pins of the spring loaded pin mechanism I29 is released from opening I38 and caused to enter an opening I 3I after the locking mechanism I21 has moved from the full line position to the dotand-dash line position shown in Fig. 18, the pins I25 will .be angularlyspositioned in the position shown by 'dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 18 of the drawingsand thebeltl I4 pulled from'theleft in Fig. 18 of the'drawings will be released.

"In order to connect'the tubular member I22 with the locking means I21, the tube H5 is provided with a circumferentially disposed slot I32. The locking means I2! is rigid with the sleeve I28.and the sleeve I28 is connected by a pin I33 with the tubular member I22. The slot I 32 in the 'tube II5 permits movement of the pin I33 relative to said tube I I5.

Assuming that a patient is lying on a bed 28 and that the stretcher 21 has been moved alongside'of the bed 28 and locked to said bed 28 in the manner described, the belt H4 is worked under the patient with the end portion carrying the openings I26 toward the right as'viewed in In Figs. 21 to 26,.inelusive, the belts H4 and 44 are shown diagrammatically. The canvas belt H4 is tucked under the patient so that the patient is substantially intermediate the end portions of the belt [I4 and there-will be substantial amounts of end portions of thecanvas II4 on either side of the pa- "tient. "The patient .in Figs. 2l to 26,. inclusive, ls'illustrated diagrammatically by the oval I34.

In this position the patient willbely ng onhis back and with .the viewer looking toward the feet of the patient. Then the patient is turned on the patients right sideand the end portion of belt II4 carrying openings I26 is Wrapped counter-clockwise around the patient and so that openings I26 engage the pin means I25. The patient in such position will be supported by'the canvas belt II4 against turning movement in a clockwise direction. If the patient is not turned too far in a counter-clockwise direction, thepatient will tend to turn by gravity in a clockwise direction, which will be resisted and counteracted bythe canvas belt I I4.

With the patient in the position shown in Fig. 21, a single operator can then roll the apron 3| onto the bed 28 and secure strap means 43, carried by said apron 3I, to the bed 28. Then the sheet 44 may be arranged so the same is substantially in the position shown in Fig. 21 and with a desired amount of the end portion I35 of sheet 44 piled adjacent the patient, as indicated in saidzFig. 21. The movement of the crawl-er 33 to the left and to the position shown in Fig. 21 may be accomplished by transmitting power from electric motor 45 via belt 46,s-heave 47, sheave 58, belt 5I, shaft 58, drums 60,.and tape BI. Then the pins I25 may be released from the openings I26 in belt I I4 and the patient permitted to turn in a clock-wise direction from the position shown in Fig. 21 to the position shown in Fig. 22. Obviously the purpose of thestructure involving pins I25 to connect with openings I25 in canvas belt H4 is topermit one operator to handle both the patient and the apparatus. If it is possible to have one .operatorto. maintain the patient in the position indicated in Fig. 21 of the drawings, then openings I26 in the belt II4 need not be secured to the pins I25. However, it is more satisfactory to use the said canvas belt I I4 and the catch means including pins I25, for the purposes indicated rather than to manually manipulate and hold the patient'in the position indicated in Fig. 21 of the drawings.

After a patient is turned to the position indicated in Fig. 22 of the drawings (the patient will be lying on his b'ack'and with the feet toward the viewer), the end portion I35 of the sheet 44 is worked under the patient and the patient will be resting on sheetsl I4 and 44. Also the end portion I36 of the belt I I4 is now folded adjacent the patient and toward the right of the patient. Upon applying power to the belt 44 from motor 45 (through belt 48, sheave 47,- sheave 50, belt 53, sheave 54 and shaft 59), the canvas sheet 44 is wound on shaft-59 and the sheet 44 moves-toward the right as viewed in Fig. 22 of the drawings. At the same time if the brakes 6! are applied to shaft 58 (see Fig. 15) then the crawler 33 will be 'held and both the sheets 44 and H4 and the patient (illustrated by I34) will be drawn up onto the crawler 33. be moved relatively to the right with sheet 44 so that the patient will be moved onto the crawler 33 and from the position indicated in Fig. 22 of the drawings to position indicated in Fig. 23 of the drawings as respects the crawler 33. Thereafter the brake 6! is released and power may be applied to the crawler 33 moving the crawler 33 .and the patient I34 thereon, from the position shown in Fig. 22 to the position shown in Fig. 23 of the drawings. Thereafter the "brake 67 may be applied to hold the crawler in suchposition shown in Fig. 23' of the drawings and power'applied onshaft' 59 to wind excess Thus the .patient I34 can canvas on the shaft 59. Instead of moving the crawl-er 33 and canvas 44 separately as just indicated, canvas 44 can be wound on shaft 59, with the crawler 33 free, and the crawler 33, canvas 44 and the patient will be moved together in the case of heavier weighing patients providing sufficient friction between canvas 44 and crawler 33 so as to move crawler 33 along with canvas 44 and the patient. Then the end portion I35 of canvas belt 44 can be folded alongside of the patient E34, as piled on portion |3'| of canvas belt H4. Then the stretcher 21 may be unfastened from the bed 28 by releasing strap means 43 and clamps I89. Next the apron 3| is turned upwardly to the dot-and-dash line position shown in Fig. 4 and the stretcher 21 may be removed from the bed 28. Then the apron 3| can be moved downwardly to the position shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings, and if desired, held in said position by engaging buttonlike members 83 with the openings 38 in the apron 3|.

When a patient is to be returned from the stretcher 21 to a bed 28, hook means I38 carried by end portion |3'|- of canvas belt H4 are engaging with openings i33 in canvas belt 44. There are a plurality of sets of openings I39 crosswise in the canvas belt 44, one of each set of said openings being shown in Fig. 20. Also there is a set of hooks I38 crosswise of the canvas belt M. The patient is turned clockwise and on the patients left side, and such position is held by reason of the canvas belt H4, hooks I38 in said belt H4, openings I38 in belt 44, shaft 59 on which canvas belt 44 is rolled, and brake means 68 holding shaft 59 and parts connected therewith. Also belt 44 has on its end portion I35 a plurality of openings I48. These openings I40 are then engaged with hook means |4| carried by the apron 3| (see also Figs. 4 and 5, as well as Figs. 21 to 26). In such position as shown in Fig. 24 of the drawings the patient is supported by canvas belts 44 and H4 and hence the crawler 33 may be moved by power and moved to the right as respects the showing in Fig. 24 to that shown in Fig. 25. Power is applied to the crawler 33 from the motor 45 in the manner previously indicated. Thus the parts and the patient may have the relative changes in position indicated by the showings between Figs. 24 and 25. Then the brake 68 may be released from shaft 59 so that the canvas belts 44 and H4 can move to the left and move from the positions indicated in Fig. 25 to the positions indicated in Fig. 26. This is accompanied by moving the crawler 33 toward the 'leftand from the position shown in Fig. 25 to the position shown in Fig. 26. Then the canvas belt 44 is unhooked from hook means |4| on apron 3| and the end portion |35 of canvas belt 44 is piled along the left side of the patient I34.

Then the hooks I38 of the canvas belt H4 are released from the canvas belt 44 and the end portion I31 of the canvas belt H4 is iled alongside of the left side of the patient, as on the end portion I35 of the canvas belt 44. Next the patient is rolled in a counter-clockwise direction on his back and onto the end portions I35 and I3! of the canvas belts 44 and H4, respectively. Then the canvas belts 44 and H4 are worked out from under the patient after the patient has been rolled approximately-90 and to the position shown in Fig. 22 of the drawings. If desired, the canvas belt H4 may be used in the same manner as indicated in Fig. 21 of the portion of a stretcher 21.

drawings to hold the patient on the patient's right side as the stretcher 21 is released from the bed 28 in the reverse manner to which it was applied, and secured to the bed. Thereafter the canvas H4 may be worked out from under the patient so that the patient will rest on the bed 28.

From the foregoing it is obvious that a stretcher of my invention embodies a horizontal deck portion 88 of the stretcher 21. Preferably this horizontal deck portion is part of a wheeled mobile stretcher and of the character described. To such horizontal deck portion an apron 3| is hinged by a hinge, such as a piano type hinge 32. The hinge is preferably of a construction so as to provide a continuous track over which the crawler 33 may travel even though the apron 3| and the deck portion of the stretcher 21 are at an angle to each other. The outer or free edge portion of the apron 3| is adapted to rest upon and preferably be supported by a patient supporting means, as a bed 28, positioned alongside the deck portion of the stretcher 21. A mobile patient supporting member or crawler 33 is provided to support a patient substantially in a horizontal position and said patient supporting member 33 is mounted for traveling movement over the deck portion of the stretcher 21 and over the apron 3|. A prime mover 45, as a reversible electric motor, is provided and is connected with the deck portion of the stretcher 21. Control means, as lever 58, is provided to connect the prime mover 45 with the mobile patient supporting means 33 and thus control traveling movement of the mobile patient supporting member 33 over the deck portion of the stretcher 21 and over the apron 3|.

Preferably the mobile patient supporting member 33 comprises a plurality of hinged together sections 33(a), 33(1)), 33(0) and 33(cl) so that the mobile patient supporting means can travel over non-uniform surfaces and at the same time be supported by all of the rollers 92 and 85. Also the apron 3| is preferably provided with depressions 4| so that the outer end of the mobile patient supporting member 33 will depress or be lowered as it reaches the outer edge portion of Preferably the means to interconnect the mobile patient supporting member 33 and a prime mover, as. electricmotor 45, comprises a driven shaft 58 which is connected with said prime mover by suitable means, and cable means which may be in the nature of steel tapes 6| and which are reeved in opposite directions around drums carried by shaft 58. The said steel tapes GI and 65 are connected with opposite edge portions of the mobile patient supporting member 33 as by laterally spaced brackets 63.

Preferably anti-friction means are disposed between the patient supporting member 33 and the surface of apron 3|, as well as between said mobile patient supporting member and the deck These anti-friction bearing means are illustrated by rollers 92, 85, 8B and 81, rollers 81 being disposed on vertical axes and thus limiting relative endwise movement of the mobile supporting member 33. s

*My' invention also utilizes .;a itraveling .patient supporting .belt, as canvas ssheet 4.4, which 515 woundaboutshaftzfiil andrsaidsha'ft 5.9, in n, is selectively .rconnectible :.-wit:h :the ;prime '.-mover 4 5. LPrefera'bly :brake:means 35,8 are provided to secure shaft .158 any :desired angu ar :pos t on which, in turn, secures canvas sheet 44 against traveling movement; in :one :direction.

iPreferably :the "prime .mover 45 ;will provide selective angular :movements :in "opposite directions :which'may be accomplishedby providing a "reversible relectrimmotora lfi. .Thus the mobile patient supportingimember iii may; :be driven in either direction.whilexthezpatientsupportingbelt 44 need ron'lyzbe driven innone direction. While the shaft 59 carrying the'patient supporting belt 44 maybe driveninz-either .directionzas desired, .a drive zinonerdesired :direction has been found satisfactory.

'fRreferably the .router and freesgzend portionqof the apron J3-i risioi .concavo -.convexshape, inlongitudinalusectionias this provides: for i a. more-uni- -form fit betweenathe aprons3l and a bedhaving a mattress and springs thereon,..such :as ,bed '2 8. When the outer edge :.of.the; .apron;.3l is of. such concavo convex shape (best illustrated in Figs 12 of thedrawings) ,:preferably means. are provided to detachably'connect such .outer .end portion oftherapron'with .the stretcher when theapron is hanging in substantially 'vertical: position, .asis best .shown in :Eig. 6 of "the, drawings. :This means comprises I'button-li-ke :members. 99 :Which interfit .withikeyhole slots :or .openings 1196 in :the =apron'i3l.

iMy invention il -also preferably contemplates .:.a patient,supportingsbelt I M so that a patient may be held in the various positions illustrated :in Figs.i21. to"26.ofthe drawings .and so that a patientmayzbe manipulatedin the manner described in connection withsaid ,Figs.;21 to 26, by :reason 'ofl-beltszM, l, [4, and mobile patient supporting member ".33. Preferably locking meana -asbumpersJHiBandclamps I09, are employe'dzsotthatthe stretcherZ'l and bed 2.8 may be secured together when .a patient is being manipulated .or transferred ito .or from :the stretcher- 2 I.

LObviouslywchanges may be made in the forms, dimensionsand: arrangements of the. parts of my invention Without departing ,from :the principle thereof, tithe above setting Iforth only preferred 'forms of: embodiment of my invention.

I- claim:

I1. ALStIGtChGI" comprising: a. substantially horizontaljdeck portion; .an apron hinged atone edge portion to :said deckportion and adapted 'to have' its'other-and free edge portion rest upon :a' patientxsupporting means alongside said deck portionyamobile patient supporting member for supporting a patient ina horizontal position and -mountedfor-traveling movement over said deck portion and-said apron,;-said mobile patient supporting rmember comprisinga plurality of longi- 'tudinally -=extending hinged together sections,

whereby zsaid mobile patient: supporting member will follow I the contour -"of the surfaces of said deck portion and of said apron When-they are substantiallyin thexsame plane; a. prime mover and power transmitting means connecting'said .ip rimermover with .saidamobi-le patient supporting imeans; therebytoaprovide driven traveling move- .mentofisaid mobile patient supporting member over-said ideck portion andsaid apron.

.:2..,;A stretcher: comprising. a: substantially horizontal deck .portion.zfunctioningastrack means its for rollers; an apron hinged-jet one edge I portion to said deck-portion and-adapted to haveitsouter and free edge portion rest upon apatient supporting'meansalongsidesaid deck portion, said apron functioningastrack means for rollers and having depressed rollerrtrackmeans ,at its outer edge portion; amobilepatient supportin member for supporting apatientin-a horizontal position and having rollers mounted for travelingmovement over said deck portion, said apron, and the depressed roller-track means in the apron, whereby the mobile patient supporting means has its outer edge portionrelatively lowered as it is supported by said depressedtraok means in the outer edge portion of the apron; a primemover and power transmitting means connecting said primemover with said mobile patient supporting means, thereby to provide driven traveling movement of said mobile patient, supporting member. ,oversaid deck portion and said apron.

3. A stretcher comprising a substantially ,horizontal deck portion; an apron hinged at one edge portion to saiddeck portion and -,adaptedto-;have itsother and free edge portion restupon apatient supporting means alongside said deck portion; a mobile patient-supporting member forgsupporting a patient in;a.horizontal position andmounted for traveling movementover said deckportion and said apron; a prime moverga driven shaft..,connected with, saidprime mover; sheave meansconnected with .said driven shaft; and .two jcable means connected with said "sheave means and reeved :in opposite directions 'thereabout .and with theiree ends thereof connected with said mobile patient.- supportin .rnen.1;ber in laterally spaced locations.

4. A; stretcher comprisin ;a substantially horizontal deck portion; an apron hingedat one-edge portion to said deck portion and adapted toihave its other and 'free' edge portion rest' upon a patient supportin means alongside-said deckpor- .tion; a ;mobile patient supporting member ifor supporting ;a patient in a horizontal 5 position; anti-friction bearing means mounting said mobile patient supporting member for -.travelin -g .movementover saiddeck portion andsaid apron gother anti-friction bearing means-disposedbetweensaid mobile supportin member .-and;= said deekportion and said, apron limiting relative -endwise move ment of, said mobile. supportingmember-ias .r-espectssaidgdeckportion-andsaid apron a; prime moverv and power transmittingmeanseonnecting said prime-mover with saidimobile patient ,supporting means. therebyto provide driventravelinsv movement-of ,said mobilepati-ent; supporting member-oversaw d ckportionandzsaida r i A. stretcher compris ng-a substant llyzhort .ZOntal dBGkJDDIIiO I; .anaapronehineedatnne ed portion to said deck portionandajdaptad to have mounted for. rotary movement and ioonnected with and disposed alongside said -deck-portion.atzzthe edge-portion opposite togthenne edge portionrto whlchjsald1591201115 hinged; :nower.transmitting means; connectm :said;be1t supporting shaft with said prime mover; and a patient supporting belt having one end portion reeved over and connected with said belt supporting shaft and having the other end portion positionable over said mobile patient supporting member.

6. The combination of claim 5 which includes separately operable brake means for said mobile patient supporting member and for said belt supporting shaft.

'7. A stretcher comprising a substantially horizontal deck portion; a framework supporting said deck portion; an apron hinged at one edge portion to said deck portion and adapted to have its other and free edge portion rest upon a patient supporting means along side said deck portion and having its said other edge [portion or concavoconvex shape in longitudinal section and with the concave surface uppermost; and detachable, securin and bending means connected with said other edge portion of said apron and with said framework so said other edge portion may be bent to lie substantially in a common plane.

GROVER W. GILLELAND.

18 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

